China by Land, Japan by Sea with Wendy Wu

Experience the wonders of China and Japan on this 18-night journey combining guided exploration and a luxurious cruise. From the imperial treasures of Beijing to the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, the pandas of Chengdu and the skyline of Shanghai, you’ll uncover China’s rich past and vibrant present before sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas to discover the highlights of Japan.

China by Land, Japan by Sea with Wendy Wu

Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven

Beijing

Fly overnight from Dublin to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Walk through Tiananmen Square into the magnificent Forbidden City, explore the Temple of Heaven and travel beyond the city to the Great Wall of China. Visit the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs before enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner and an evening acrobatic show.

Pingyao

Take the high-speed train to Pingyao, one of China’s best-preserved ancient towns. Wander its walled streets, visit the Yamen and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum, and experience life as it once was in this living museum of Chinese history.

Inside the Ancient Walls of Pingyao
Inside the Ancient Walls of Pingyao
The Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors

Xian

Continue by bullet train to Xian, home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Walk along the 14th-century city walls, take part in a dumpling-making class and enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet followed by a colourful Tang Dynasty performance.

Chengdu

Travel to Chengdu, where you’ll visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base to see these gentle giants up close. Learn about their conservation and daily life before enjoying a Sichuan hot pot dinner and a mesmerising face-changing show. The following morning is free, with an optional chance to volunteer at the Panda Base.

Chengdu Panda Research Base
Chengdu Panda Research Base
Skyline of Shanghai
Skyline of Shanghai

Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai, where modern innovation meets traditional charm. Stroll along the Bund to admire the Art Deco architecture, cruise the Huangpu River and visit Yu Garden and the Old Town. Learn about the art of silk production and enjoy a traditional Shanghainese dinner.

Spectrum Of The Seas

Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, a state-of-the-art ship created to combine comfort, innovation and world-class entertainment. Wake to sweeping ocean views from the North Star observation capsule, relax in the solarium pool retreat, or experience the thrill of simulated skydiving with RipCord by iFLY.Days at sea invite you to unwind or explore, with everything from casual cafés and teppanyaki dining to fine Asian fusion and global cuisine.

 In the evenings, the ship transforms with spectacular shows, live music, and vibrant lounges overlooking the sea.As you journey to Japan’s shores, discover the diversity of Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo. Taste Kobe’s famous beef, wander Osaka’s lively markets, or find serenity in Tokyo’s temples and gardens. Whether enjoying the ship’s modern luxury or exploring on land, Spectrum of the Seas offers an unforgettable way to experience East Asia.

Spectrum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Surf Pool and Ripcord
Surf Pool and Ripcord
Premium Dining
Premium Dining
Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Entertainment

Included in this Itinerary

Return flights from Dublin with current taxes, 4* accommodation throughout China, 7-night Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise in an Oceanview Stateroom (upgrades available), domestic transportation within China, all meals, touring with English-speaking guides and entrance fees, USD 200 onboard credit per stateroom, and China visa fees for UK passport holders. Included activities: Great Wall of China walk, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square tour, Terracotta Warriors visit, Chengdu Panda Research Base, Huangpu River cruise, and guided sightseeing in Shanghai. Based on 2 passengers sharing. Flights depart Dublin 13th Oct 2026 . Price is correct at the time of posting (27/01/2026). Offers are subject to change.

 

Price from €5,570 per person

The Long Way to Cape Town: The Blue Train

08 September 2026

Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.

4 European destinations that deserve a place on your holiday wish list

02 September 2026

Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.

7 cool-cations for an unforgettable autumn escape

02 September 2026

Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.

Villas 1 Awali Background Colour Banana Island 3 (2)

Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.